mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
Sarah Regan is a Spirituality & Relationships Editor, and a registered yoga instructor. She received her bachelor’s in broadcasting and mass communication from SUNY Oswego, and lives in Buffalo, New York.
April 1, 2023
Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may
When we think about the aging process, sleep is rarely top of mind. But sleep needs are not a constant. Not only does the amount of sleep change throughout life, but the amount of time you spend in each stage also changes as the years pass by. Here’s what the science says about how aging can affect sleep.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Why deep sleep lessens with age.
Multiple studies have shown that the older we get, the less time we spend in deep sleep1 each night. Just as a refresher, deep sleep is also known as stage 3 sleep, and it’s essential for muscle and tissue growth, as well as cellular repair.
As naturopathic sleep doctor Catherine Darley, N.D., previously explained to mbg, roughly 75% (and up to 85%) of our total growth hormone in a day is secreted during deep sleep.
According to one 2017 study published in the scientific journal Neuron, it appears we get less deep sleep as we age because of key changes to certain neurons and circuits22 in the areas that regulate sleep as we age, which results in less non-REM sleep.
Other sleep changes that happen with age
Interestingly, not only do we get less non-REM sleep (stages 1 through 3) the older we get, but we actually get less REM sleep too—aka the sleep stage in which we dream. In fact, babies can spend up to 50% of their sleep in this stage, but adults average only about 20 to 25% in REM3.
On top of that, older adults are more like to report sleep disturbances4, such as less time asleep in general, more frequent nighttime wakeups, and more. As neurologist Nicole Avena, Ph.D., previously explained to mbg, “Quality of sleep can decline [with age] due to hormonal changes, medical complications, and stress.”
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
What to do about it
If all of this sounds bleak, there is good news: You can help your body get more deep and restful sleep through lifestyle changes as you age. Namely, according to Darley, exercise is one research-backed intervention for getting more deep sleep. Research on middle-aged and elderly adults has shown that exercise promoted increased sleep efficiency and duration5 regardless of the mode and intensity of activity.
And if you’re looking to get more REM sleep, studies show you’ll want to lay off the booze before bed, as it’s known to inhibit this sleep stage as well. Practicing good sleep hygiene, avoiding technology before bed, and taking a relaxing sleep supplement can also help you catch some more zzz’s, no matter your age.*
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
The takeaway
We could still use some more research on the exact mechanisms behind sleep changes and aging (and what it means for us); in the meantime, you can take steps to get better sleep on your own, no matter how old you are.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.